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Bringing a baby into the world is a wonderful life event that should be captured. It’s a time you want to remember and share with your little one once they are a bit older. If you are thinking about booking a maternity photo session then the below tips should come in handy as you prepare for your session.

Schedule your session between 31 and 36 weeks as your tummy should have popped and have a beautiful shape. By booking your maternity session during this time you are also past the discomfort and bloating that happens earlier in the pregnancy.

We know how important it is to moisturize those knees, elbows, and belly but we recommend you do so 1 – 2 hours before the session to avoid any shininess or sticky clothes. You should also avoid wearing any tight fitting watches or bracelets that might leave marks on your skin.

Treat yourself to a neutral or light colored manicure 1 – 2 days prior to your maternity session so that you can take some beautiful shots with your hands on your tummy.

Don’t forget the Makeup, it’s something that I always recommend, you want to look your best!. For this type of session, you want basic makeup, don’t exceed. Using neutral eye shades, enhancing lashes and brows and making sure skin looks flawless is key to achieve great pictures of your pregnancy journey.

If you already have some cute baby items such as shoes, hats, toys, blankets or onesies, bring them along as they make for adorable props. The same applies to family heirlooms. If you have a special locket or photo that you would like to use, bring it along too.

More and more moms are using their ultrasound photos in their photo sessions. If you aren’t too sure whether you want to use it or not, bring it to the shoot anyway and decide on the day.

Take the time to pick the right outfit for the maternity shoot. You should, of course, be comfortable but make sure that your clothing doesn’t detract from your tummy’s shape and your natural glow. Avoid large, bold patterns or clothing that is too loose. Empire waists, drawstrings, flowing tops and wrap dresses are perfect for enhancing your shape.

When you start shopping around for a professional photographer the prices can sometimes seem quite daunting. What very few consumers realize though is that there is a lot more to photographing your event than just clicking a button at the right time.

So what are you paying for when hiring a professional photographer?

Time is money.

Just like any other professional, a photographer needs to put in the hours to get the job done. This includes the consultation, traveling to and from the location, shooting the photos, editing and processing the orders. You’d be surprised at how long it takes to get the end result that is finally delivered to you. Once they shoot the photos, it’s not as simple as downloading the images and delivering them to you. They have to process the files, convert it to the correct file type as well as make sizing and color adjustments to make each image pop. If your photographer is also creating a book or album for you, they need to spend time designing it too.

Equipment is expensive.

Even though this is a very small part of why photographers charge the prices they do, it’s important to remember that quality equipment plays an important role in being able to produce the photos that they do. Professional equipment not only allows for the production of high-quality images, it also gives photographers the ability to work in areas with less than favorable lighting conditions or at venues where using a flash is prohibited.

They have spent years acquiring a very specific skill.

Photography, like any other profession, requires experience and specific skills. From knowing what lighting and camera settings to use, to know how to pose people and help them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Great photographers don’t rush the editing process either, it takes time to produce the desired result and turn your photo into a work of art that you’ll proudly want to display in your home.

It’s still a business.

A professional photographer is still running a business, which means they will more than likely have overhead costs such as rental fees for their studio and the upkeep of equipment. Photographers also need to budget for professional association fees, equipment and liability insurance and fees for courses that will allow them to stay ahead by continuously honing their craft.

A professional photographer who is dedicated to their art and willing to go the extra mile for their clients is always well worth the price.

Professional headshots are the first introduction to you, your business and your personal brand.

Around 93% of HR professionals and recruiters turn to LinkedIn to find quality candidates, 2 in 3 turn to Facebook and more than half utilize Twitter. This just proves that a headshot plays an important role in your professional life. Your headshot should be a powerful, compelling and confidence-instilling headshot that makes prospective clients, employers and partners want to reach out and connect with you.

Before you head to the studio for your professional headshot photo session, think about the things that you want others to see when they glance at your profile page.

Think about some of the characteristics that embody your personal brand. Are you a chef, an educator, a writer? Write down some keywords and phrases. If there are certain props that could help tell your story, bring them along to your session too.

We will usually take a few different shots using various outfits so that you have a good selection to choose from. If you’re going to be using your headshot on a specific social media platform, you might even want to tailor it to fit that site.

It’s important that your look matches the image you’re trying to convey. What you wear on a daily basis is a great place to start. Solid colors are always a good choice, as are tops with strong collars and necklines. We suggest that you wear clothing that compliments your skin and eye tones and it’s best to stay away from very bold colors too. Even though you’ll only be photographed from the shoulders up, it’s important for your entire outfit is professional as you may want a shot or two that is taken further away and incorporates more of your body.

Even though this is a more professional shoot, remember to have fun. A relaxed, comfortable subject naturally exudes confidence.

From school yearbooks to friends’ weddings, we’ve all been in front of a camera at some point or another and if you’ve recently looked at a photo with disdain then this post’s for you. If you know that you’re going to have a lens pointed in your direction in the near future, below are six simple ways to get better results.

Get to Know Your Face. This applies to professional photoshoots as well as everyday photos. Take time getting to know your face, how to smile naturally and which side or angle of your face you like better.

Easy on the makeup. While an evening out is a different story when it comes to makeup, if you’re having headshots, family or maternity photos taken, go easy on the makeup. You want some basic coverage but don’t overdo it. You should also only stick to accentuating one part of your face so choose either your eyes or lips but not both.

Facing the camera. Your photographer will help you when it comes to posing for photos but in general, you shouldn’t be facing the camera head on. Positioning your body at an angle always makes for better photos.

Controlling your chin. Photos where your neck is elongated and your chin is pushed slightly forward will lift your face and give it a more angular look. You might want to practice this beforehand in order to get used to it.

Pick your outfit carefully. Put some thought into what you’ll wear to your shoot. Pair bold designs and patterns with solid colors to avoid too much distraction. You should also pay attention to the fit and shape of your outfit. Make sure it compliments you and that you feel comfortable.

Use lighting to your advantage. This is something that your professional photographer will be an expert at but the right lighting can mean the difference between that wow factor and disappointment. Avoid standing directly under a light as this will create weird shadows on your face. This is something we will help you out with because we are experts so take our advice when we suggest a specific time for photos. If shooting outdoors, the best light will be 15-20 minutes before & after sunset. Unless it’s an overcast day, we will always try to get you in full shade so that the lighting isn’t dappled or causing weird shadows on your face.

As much as the above tips will help you during your professional photoshoot, always remember to have fun and relax as this will do wonders for your photos.

6 Ways to Always Look Fantastic in Photos

You have probably seen many photos that were taken at a themed photo session. Halloween costumes or Your friends’ kids got their latest pictures taken in matching Western outfits. Your aunt had a movie theme for her wedding pictures. There are countless theme ideas you can use to make your photos interesting, unique, and a reflection of your personality.

If you are considering a themed photo session, answer the following questions discover your ideal theme:

Is this photo session indoors or outdoors? If it’s outdoors you’ll probably want to consider a theme that suits the current weather.

What season is it? If you are looking to use a specific backdrop or seasonal prop, use Mother Nature’s current display as your theme.

Do you love a specific historical era, such as the 50’s?Or a particular TV series like Star Trek? There are so many eras and movies that you can draw inspiration from. Make a list of shows, movies & eras that you and your family love.

Do you have specific hobbies? Perhaps you are an animal lover, a sports fan or have a passion for fashion. Make a list of your interests and your theme might just jump out at you.

Is this a major life event? Use your pregnancy announcement or your wedding as the perfect excuse for a fun photo session. Use a setting and props that speak to both you and your partner’s interests. There is also tons of inspiration on websites such as Pinterest that you can turn to for ideas.

Whatever theme you decide to choose, make sure that it speaks to your personalities so that you genuinely enjoy the process. Themed photo sessions are also usually a great way to encourage children to be involved and to get them excited.

Halloween Photo Sessions

The photos that a photographer hands over to you are part of their life’s work. It has their name or branding so there are a few important restrictions to note when it comes to the professional digital images that you receive.

1) Copyright. The digital images that your photographer provides you with have a copyright, which means the photographer has the option to use those photos to market their work and services anytime in the future. We are however also respectful of our clients so if there are any images that you would prefer to keep private, it’s best to let us know about it ahead of time so that we can honor your wishes.

2) Image type. We aren’t able to provide you with the original files or raw images. All images given to the client have been cropped and have been edited. If you do require further touch ups we would need to provide you with a quote.

3) Image altering. While we appreciate your business and welcome the sharing of our photos on social media platforms, we ask that the images not be altered in any way as this is against our copyright policies.

What constitutes image altering?

Adding filters or editing photos in Photoshop

Removing our logo or studio name

Color correcting or including transitions from color to black and white

Clipping people or objects out of the original shot

So why do we have this as a restriction? Our photos are a representation of our work so when a customer alters an image it directly impacts our name and brand in the industry. When we present you with final images, they have already been through our editing process and don’t require further alterations. When images are altered, the results are not always reflective of our original work and can then be mistaken for ours. We greatly appreciate your loyalty and cooperation in this matter.

We are happy to give a quote if you want images to be edited in a specific way or if you want further alterations made.

A Brief Guide to Professional Photo Restrictions

There is a special kind of magic that comes with outdoor, fall photo sessions. The leaves lightly falling and hanging from the branches create a lovely backdrop for any photo session. Here are some tips to make your fall photo sessions go smoothly.

Tips for Beautiful Fall Photos

Dress warmly. You will be surprised at how often this is overlooked. Since you’ll be standing outside for a long period of time, short sleeves, thin fabrics, and open toe shoes will not be comfortable for very long. Shivering makes it hard to look happy and pose properly.

Wear sunscreen. Protecting your skin should be a priority throughout the year, not just in summer. Use a good moisturizer to protect your skin from chilly winds.

Watch the weather. Warmer days may seem more pleasant, try and keep an eye on the weather forecast to make sure that you choose comfortable weather for your session.

Be flexible. If the weather isn’t exactly what you had hoped for, see if you can still make the photo session work. If you are however scheduling this session in advance, you may just have to work with the weather on that particular day.

Incorporate color. Even though fall has some amazing colors to work with, why not wear a splash of color to really stand out in your photos? For example, vibrant shades of blues and greens look amazing amongst crunchy brown leaves.

Plan your day. Taking your photos just after the sun rises or just before it sets will provide you with amazing lighting so try and plan your session around those times.

Take some hot tea or coffee along to make your photo session even more enjoyable and get ready for some beautiful results.

Tips for Beautiful Fall Photos

How long have you been a photographer? The longer a photographer has been in business, the more likely it is that it’s not just a hobby for them.

Which types of photography do you specialize in? It’s uncommon for a photographer to specialize in several different types of photography as they often only specialize in one or sometimes two genres. For example, a photographer who specializes in newborn photography might not be the best candidate to shoot wedding photos unless they have the experience in doing so.

Do you have many repeat clients? This is a great litmus test of not only the quality of a photographer’s work but of their customer service too.

What is your policy on rescheduling a session? An experienced photographer will definitely have a policy in place when it comes to a customer canceling or rescheduling a photography session. A photographer with policies indicates that they have experience with different types of customers and situations and have created policies accordingly.

Have you had any experience with (name your specific concern)? If you have any specific concerns regarding your photo session such as the photographer’s ability to work with a special needs child for example, find out if they have ever handled that type of situation before. Do not dismiss a photographer and their abilities based on their answers to your concerns. If given adequate notice, an experienced photographer should be able to deal with any situation you present them. This is the hallmark of a true pro.

Silent Question: Use your gut to judge their personality and rapport. A photographer’s main job is to capture emotions and moments. If your photographer doesn’t mesh well with you on the phone or in person, chances are you and your family will not mesh well with them at your session and this will show in your photos.

If you’ve started the search for a photographer then you’ll know just how many options there are. Before you go ahead and book a professional photographer for a shoot though, there are a couple important things to consider.

If your child has recently started showing an interest in photography and you are thinking about buying them their first camera, there are a few things you need to consider. As a parent, you probably know that a kid’s interests can change tomorrow, next week or even next year but the good news is that you can still support their new hobby without breaking the bank.